Sen. John Cornyn spent nearly $5.5 million in the two months leading up to Texas’ Republican primary to help fend off a quixotic challenge from the right by Rep. Steve Stockman.

Campaign manager Brendan Steinhauser told The Associated Press that Cornyn raised $2.32 million in the year’s first quarter and had nearly $3.35 million in cash on hand as of March 31. The campaign ended 2013 with $6.5 million in its war chest, meaning that $5.47 million was spent between New Year’s Day and the end of last month.

Most of that went toward radio, television and Web advertising ahead of the March 4 primary. Cornyn will face the winner of the Democratic runoff, either Dallas dentist David Alameel or Houston activist Kesha Rogers.

The Associated Press

Abbott seeks photos of Davis, Obama meeting

To Greg Abbott, a picture would be worth a thousand words — and probably millions in advertising.

Democratic governor nominee Wendy Davis met privately with President Barack Obama on Thursday after he spoke at the Civil Rights Summit to honor former President Lyndon B. Johnson. Davis made no secret of attending Obama’s speech, but the meeting was held away from the press and cameras — avoiding pictures of the unpopular Obama that could be used against Davis in the fall.

So Abbott’s campaign filed a Freedom of Information Act request Friday with the White House for any official photos that might have been snapped during the meeting. There was no immediate response from the White House.

Christy Hoppe

Davis to feature Willie Nelson at fundraiser

Singer Willie Nelson will be featured at a high-dollar fundraiser for Democratic governor nominee Wendy Davis.

The event will be April 27 in the Houston backyard of lawyers Steve and Amber Mostyn. It will feature barbecue, Nelson and — for those who stay overnight at the Hotel ZaZa — a campaign briefing Monday morning.

Tickets will go for up to $20,000 a couple, but the Davis campaign also is placing those who contribute at least $5 into a raffle for two tickets.

To post a comment, log into your chosen social network and then add your comment below. Your comments are subject to our Terms of Service and the privacy policy and terms of service of your social network. If you do not want to comment with a social network, please consider writing a letter to the editor.